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Complications of an otoplasty(ear pinback)
Although all operations have some risk the chance that something serious will go wrong in an otoplasty is small. Nevertheless there are a number of major complications which may make the patient unhappy with the result. Always remember that even though a complication may be unusual it can still happen to you. Always ask yourself, "How would I feel if this problem happened to me?"Pain and tenderness: pain after surgery is variable and for some people may be quite intense. Tenderness of the ear may last for several weeks.
Swelling: most patients have swelling for about a month after surgery.
Bruising: bruising is common on the ear and in more severe cases it extends onto the surrounding skin. If there is bleeding it may be worse.
Bleeding or hematoma: because the skin is separated from the cartilage the risk of bleeding is quite high. Severe pain in the ear after surgery may be a warning of this. Pressure dressings are used to reduce the risk. If it develops surgery may be needed to prevent a cauliflower ear.
Infection: this can be a serious problem. If bleeding occurs then infection may develop in a hematoma. Immediate treatment is needed because if the infection invades the cartilage a chondritis develops which may deform the ear
Thick scar formation: excess scar, usually behind the ear, is more common in youngsters and those genetically prone to heavy scar. It may not be treatable
Numbness or change in feeling: unusual feeling or numbness in the ear may last for many months.
Abnormal reaction to the stitches: if permanent or slow to dissolve stitches are placed in the ear, the body may react against them and "spit" them out to the surface. If the stitches break in the early weeks after surgery another operation may be needed.
Distortion of the auditory or ear canal: unless major change in the concha is made at surgery a disturbance if the ear canal is unusual. If it does occur it may affect hearing.
Asymmetry or malposition of ear: it is almost impossible to make each ear exactly the same. Slight differences may be present after surgery. If they are severe additional surgery may be needed.
Recurrence of the problem: the results are usually permanent but if stitches break in the early stages the problem may recur and need more surgery.
